Well, it’s 95% done. Those three panels beneath the window seat are placeholders until the ones that match the rest are ready, and we need a cushion for the bench top. I haven’t decided whether I’ll add hardware to the doors yet (they have magnetic push latches inside), and I’ll probably switch out the outlet covers for wooden ones. The important thing though is that the shelves are in! The ladder is up!

Our carpenter did great work and has solid craftsmanship, but I made some stupid mistakes by not being as hands-on during the design process as I should have. It was not a fun learning experience. I can get nitpicky and tell you what I don’t like — mainly proportion/scale issues that I should have been more mindful of — but overall I’m happy.

The rolling library ladder was provided by Custom Service Hardware, and it definitely makes the shelves. Brandon and I love it! Even our carpenter was impressed by its quality. The wheels brake automatically, and each kids’ weight is enough to engage the mechanism. August likes rolling the ladder, but he won’t climb. Eleanor would go to the top if we let her.

It arrived in pieces and unfinished (in our choice of wood, oak), but smooth and ready to finish. Those pieces, along with the rest of the wood for the library, were stained with Minwax Wood Finish in Early American to match the home’s existing trim.

I chose vertical roller brackets so that the ladder’s hardware could be supported by the vertical supports of the bookshelf, since the shelves are all adjustable. For finishes, I was between the hammered antique brass and oil rubbed bronze options. Brass would have been a better match to the existing metal finishes in the house, but I’m not a big fan of the hammered look so I went with bronze. Mixing metals doesn’t bother me when they’re complementary, and I think the almost-black color looks nice and is more understated than brass may have been.

Our ladder is nine feet tall. It doesn’t stick out too far into the room and I like the look of the ladder in the climbing position, but its rolling hardware gives us the option of storing it upright when not in use.

The shelves were finished on Friday and on Saturday morning, we quickly unloaded about 40 boxes of books onto the shelves. We had two parties this weekend so I haven’t had time to take more photos yet, but just like that, this house felt much more like our home. I’m so glad we put these shelves in, mistakes along the way and all.

i think these look fabulous… well done for persevering! i’m learning all about the perils of rookie commissions myself… it can be exhausting & beyond stressful (especially if it’s for a client) and i’m constantly amazed at different people’s interpretations of a brief! but it looks like your hard work has paid off… looking forward to seeing it loaded up!

I agree – they’re lovely, and you shouldn’t even mention that you made mistakes because none of the rest of us can tell!!! That ladder is probably as close as any of us are going to come to the “Beauty and the Beast” inspired library of our dreams . . . and I think it’s perfect :)

Really beautiful! Had I not read about the frustration and trauma that went into their construction, I never would have guessed there was anything but a straight route from vision to execution. That video of the kids with the ladder is adorable too.

Dear MIL, Beautiful! They turned out like they have always been there! If you do not put cabinet handles on, it would look better, I think. More like just custom wood panels, and the storage is your bonus secret.

After all the stress it came out beautifully. I know you blame yourself somewhat, but I think you mentioned it was the same carpenter who did the rest of the work on the house before you bought it – truly he should have known better… Someone posted a link on one of your previous posts to a pink library ladder, and while I’m normally firmly in the don’t paint the wood camp, I’m sort of in love with the idea!

I’m so glad they turned out so well! And that you like them–I can’t even imagine the stress you felt.
However now you need to put on a yellow ball gown and do a Beauty and the Beast reenactment. I want to see that video :)
Abby

I LOVE them!! I didn’t comment before when you were so upset, because I thought you should just wait until the end to really judge the final product. Though…at first…I did react the same as you did and would have no doubt with my own project with oak, not a favorite.

However, these are beautiful! And filled with books I imagine you don’t see the plywood much at all. LOVE the library ladder!! We have a library in our house. I’d be interested to know where you got it, when we convert the room that is now my very junky office/craft room to a formal space in the future, I’d LOVE to have a ladder to reach our high shelf!

Absolutely. The most super-cozy space for daydreaming …. even at night! I am definitely curious how you will arrange books. Some folks are very fussy, wanting them all to be color-coded. Not sure if I could ever do that. Ha! Keep us current Nicole.

Oh my goodness, tit turned of so incredibly well that it looks as if it came with the home! Absolutely stunning library shelves and the ladder is the icing on the cake! This is stunning and such a graceful and elegant upgrade to your Victorian.
So happy for you, Nicole!

Wow! I agree with everyone else–they look great and truly look like they belong in the home. It seems like so many design bloggers are only into bright white walls and mid century modern furniture–I love that you are keeping it traditional with this house (with your own twist). I think it makes you a maverick!

Ohhhmygosh …. fantastic! When I saw your photo it was such a surprise library was completed. Truly amazing, and very, very lovely. THAT ladder is sensational! Wow. Everyone is going to have the best time in this space. Congratulations Nicole …. project = well done!